Switzerland v Poland: Swiatek to lead from the front in Biel
11/04/2024 13:56
Playing in her first tie since 2022, Iga Swiatek will be leading the charge for Poland as they set their sights on November's Billie Jean King Cup Finals.
By Ed Pearson
World No.1 Iga Swiatek will play Simona Waltert in the opening match of the Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge Qualifier between Switzerland and Poland.
Swiatek, who is making her first appearance in her country’s colours since she put on a masterclass in the 2022 Qualifiers against Romania, will be the heavy favourite in the opening match-up.
Ranked 157 places higher than her Swiss opponent, Swiatek has not lost in Billie Jean King Cup since falling to Dayana Yastremska in a Europe/Africa Group I tie in 2019.
Despite not meeting on the professional tour, Swiatek actually defeated Waltert at Junior Wimbledon back in 2018.
“I know how she plays a little bit but, tactically, I need to prepare as we haven’t met on WTA,” explained the world No.1. “It’s never easy to play as a guest because the whole stadium is going to be cheering for Switzerland, but I’m ready to do my job. I’m going to focus on myself.”
In the second match on Friday, talented Swiss teenager Celine Naef takes on world No.52 Magdalena Frech, who started the year with a run to the second week of the Australian Open.
Naef made her debut at last year’s Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Seville and despite coming away empty handed in terms of match-wins, the 18-year-old proved a handful for both Czechia’s Linda Noskova and USA’s Danielle Collins.
Tomorrow will be the first time that Naef has played in her country’s colours on home soil – something the youngster will cherish.
“It means a lot to me,” Naef said. “It was always a dream for me when I was a little kid and now it’s the first time on home soil so I’m very happy and I’m looking forward to it.”
Frech finds herself in the second singles spot after the late withdrawal of Magda Linette, but such is Poland’s strength in depth that both their singles players are ranked around 100 places higher than any of their Swiss opponents.
Both teams are fighting for a spot in this year’s Billie Jean King Cup Finals, which will take place in Seville at the end of the season.
Switzerland won their first title in 2022, while Poland have yet to get their hands on the team trophy.
Switzerland v Poland
